Nepal’s Political Earthquake: What Sparked the Youth Revolt?

The discussion began with Dr. Basset clarifying that the protests are not merely about a fleeting social media ban, but about deep-rooted corruption, inequality, and suppression of free speech. She highlighted how the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children, exposed online, triggered outrage among the youth who questioned the misuse of public money. A peaceful movement soon escalated after police crackdowns and the tragic deaths of several young protesters, some as young as 12 and 14.

Ambassador Sood drew parallels with mass uprisings in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, stressing that Nepal now faces a total political meltdown. With Prime Minister Oli’s resignation, only a caretaker government remains, leaving uncertainty about leadership or a roadmap forward.

Veteran journalist Padma Rao Sundarji noted that while Nepal’s social media ban may have been the immediate spark, the crisis stems from years of political stagnation, corruption, and high unemployment. Comparisons with neighboring countries show that prolonged rule by the same political elites has fueled dissatisfaction and instability.